Let's Get This Party Started...

In a nutshell, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is a fun little ride. It's roomy, has enough power, fuel efficient (up to 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway), and is packed with some of FoMoCo's most innovative goodies like Sync with AppLink software. It's also highly attractive thanks to Ford's European stylists. More importantly, though, is its cost: base price for the sedan is $13,995. Opt for the hatchback and it'll set you back a minimum of $15,995.

On our First Drive last week, we noted its spritely, well-behaved demeanor through San Francisco's bustling streets. Its suspension responded quickly to inputs; its steering is precise, but not overly communicative. When pushed hard on Frisco's neighboring windy roads, it continued to impress. So, the Fiesta is pretty stellar in the real world, but how did it do at our test track?We took two 2011 Fiesta hatchbacks to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California to find out. Both came decked out in SES trim; one was a traditional 5-speed manual while the other used Ford's new 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. For the sake of comparison, we dug through our database for numbers on some of Fiesta's fiercest rivals and then lined them all up. Check it out:

WELL IT DONT MATTER HOW FAST/SLOW THE CAR IS IT HAS 4DRS AND NO TURBO WELL FOR 20K I SAY HELL NO FORD!YEAH YEAH I KNOW THEIRS AN ECOBOOST COMING BUT BUY THEIR PRICING THAT ONE WILL BE 25K+ FORD HAS LOST THEIR MINDS!!!!WE DEMAND THE 2DR ECOBOOST FIESTA GOT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WTF WTF WTF///??? Hey it is the AMERICAN WAY to sell a car in Europe that gets 76 MPG and then sell the same car in the U.S. barely able to reach 40 MPG ???//WTF WTF WTF.I currently own 3 Fords and would love to run out and purchase one of these 76 MPG disel engine hatchbacks, it is just that FORD can't make enough DOG-GONE MONEY selling it to me; so instead, they draft up a PIECE O 39 MPG CCRRAAPP!!!Go eat yourself FORD. Oh, was that a star and sickle I saw on your banner. !!!EAT MY KIESTER!!!

Yeah, it's slow from 0-60, but I love the styling of the hatch, and the size of the car. I'd be happy with a $16,500 Fiesta--I don't need all of the options that blow the price up past $20,000. This new Fiesta (and the 2011 Mustang) are probably the first Fords that I would consider buying.

This car is designed for high gas mileage not for being sporty or fast. That being said, the lackluster CR-Z is slower than this car when equipped with the CVT and will cost thousands of dollars more (and Honda is trying to tell anyone that will listen that it's a sporty car).

The Fit takes 10 seconds to 60 with the automatic, something MT failed to mention. How shocking.More than 90% buy the Automatic. The Fiesta is a hit in Europe and looks better inside and out than any of those other cars.The Yaris is a POS as is the Versa and don't belong on the same page.I am actually a GM fanboy and I think the Fiesta is hands down the best sub-compact on the market.Only MT could give the car a downer review. Every other article I have read praises the car completely.

Who gives a ratz @$$ about acceleration in this segment? Look at the Golf/GTI in the compact segment, it's usually the slowest and always wins the comps. Why? Because the sum of the parts and the driving experience trump raw measurable numbers. Ford may be doing the same here, and if so, good for them and the segment. I really tire of 0-60, 1/4 miles sprint, G handling etc numbers for cars that are never going to driven like this. Give the car to different people who would actually use it and go from there. Car journalism needs to expand to the needs and wants of the market. Not saying Motor Trend has to change, it's just that their narrow focus and eternal preference for all things too expensive for the normal person really does show the limited appeal of this narrow-minded focus.

nice little car. i think this is a great value and great on gas. i don't find the $20 000 price tag unreasonable, considering, it comes with features that aren't even available in bigger cars, such as, a '10 malibu, or the "futuristic" '10 impala. only thing i don't like on this car, are the wheels. it's a little too dodge neon. remember that pos

The only car I'd consider in this class is the Mini. The second generation Fit is ugly,the (not too)Smart,Yaris and Versa are nerd mobiles and the Accent is junk !! I'm hoping the Polo is available with a TDI which might move it to the top o' the heap (unless Ford gets hot with an EcoBoost or turbodiesel Fiesta)!

These are small cars, and the people who buy them are not into speed, 0-60 numbers, and things that most of us, MT readers, are so deeply interested in. The real issue is: it is overpriced!BTW, I drove that car recently (twice), and it drives well, and the interior styling is so cool.

to all the honda fans, how is the fit sportier? did you actually bother TO READ the friggin article? Did you actually teast drive the Fiesta? How is it that when the fit can stop about 20 feet longer and it is slower in the figure 8 while only retaining the same lateral G pull and almost every review out there from any magazine saying how the Fiesta is not only on the sporty side it's actually now considered the benchmark of the segment. And to all the hypocrites that criticized American companies for building cheap crappy cars for the longest time. Let me get this straight. You want Ford to lower the sticker by building a crappier lower quality model to COMPETE with the Fit's crappy quality? Wow! You do realize all of you geniuses, most Fiestas will be sold with only SOME of the content that these loaded models have. Only about 10-20% of the cars sold in this segment even aproach the level of content the SES model has optioned out. THIS IS ALL FOR TESTING PURPOSES.

Why are all these comments saying the Fit is sportier? Did I miss something, or did they not realize that while the Fit is faster in a straight line, it was slower in the figure eight and took longer to stop. Almost every article I've read says the Fiesta retains its European driving dynamics and is a better driver's car than the Fit.

Nicely done eco car but I dont see what everyone has been waiting for. Its another eco box with some nice options that you definitely pay for. For $20K, if I was a ford fan, i would take a fusion even if I had to loose some options. Fit seems to be much more sporty if you can call any of these cars in this class such a thing.

This car will do well in Canada. Because new car prices here are already considerably higher than those in the US, the 22 000 that this car will cost when loaded is pretty normal and actually makes a good case for its self. Sure its small, but it allows you to get many of the premium features that you can normally only get in larger cars. Thus, it allows to you have a nice solid car that also happens to be small and fuel efficient. The Canadian market is vastly different than that of the US, so I am glad Ford is bringing over this car.

These folks are hilarious - comparing a $10K Hyundai Accent to this...then complaining about it. That $10K Accent you're all parading doesn't even come standard with a RADIO. You'll have a lot of time to think about your purchase listening to nothing but wind noise. Live in a hot climate? Good luck with no AC and crank windows. Power locks? Nope, reach on over. Keyless entry? Hilarious. But hey, you can wake up and pick which colored one you want...while I'd zoom past with a dual-clutch transmission, push button start, heated leather seats, the latest SYNC technology, heated power side mirrors...all while near if not best in class handling and MPG.But who's counting, right? Kinda glad a lot of you people aren't regular forum posters.

Anybody who would prefer a current Hyundai Accent over the Fiesta obviously has not driven an Accent for any period of time (or is a Hyundai fanboy). The Accent is a pile of crap to drive. If you are getting hung up on 0-60 time, try reading some other articles which talk about not being able to defeat the traction control system. That will always reduce 0-60 times on the track. However, when you look at real world performance, suddenly the numbers change a lot. The only the Fiesta seems to lose on is cargo hauling and 0-60 acceleration. However, if you compare the cabin vs anything in the class, it is head and shoulders above. I can't speak for the driving dynamics since I have not driven the Fiesta yet, but I have been inside one. Most of the reviews are favorable to the Fiesta in driving dynamics. I still think Ford is crazy to release this car, but I wish them the best. It will be interesting to see which options set sells the most.

It was a second slower than the Fit SPORT! When the Fiesta SVT or Sport comes out then tell me how it goes. I am definitely getting one of these when they come out next month! None of these others can compare with the fit and finish of the quality built Fiesta, so that is where the price comes from. Totally worth it.

acuras4ever.. you said the Fit is the best choice in this segment and the Fiesta is not competitive. Then you said they(Ford) should focus more on making the Fiesta as sporty as the Fit. Did you not bother to read the whole review or did you just see the price and instantly dismiss it as inferior to the almighty Fit?

The Fiesta is a high content car and that is why it would be a lot more expensive. When I was a lot younger I bought a stripped down version of a econo box and I hated every hot sweaty day of feeling like it would be nice if I had this or that. You guys go on and buy the stripped down models and make your payments on something you will hate. I'll save up my pennies and get the car with the big car content and fun to drive feel.

CALI-LIFER .. what a way to talk ... i am not complaining about the price .. but let me be honest .. i don't think ford should put this car against the FIT ,, because the fit is one of the best choices in this segmant if not the best! and if the fiesta wants to compete with the FIT then it should leave all of these luxurious items and focus on being sporty and fun-to-drive as the fit and have a competable price so it can take the lead on this segmant ! don't you get it people that's exactley what happened with the fusion and the malibu against both the camry and the accord .. not having a compatable price just got a lot of people to buy camry's and accords! but with the prices of the malibu and the fusion these days .. i think they will be back in the business!

a bit slow, but seriously, it's meant to be a commuter / econo car that isn't a penalty box with dynamics that won't put you to sleep.trust me, anything slower than 6 seconds 0-60 is "slow" by my books... if you want speed, get a legit sports sedan / coupe with some balls and say good bye to 40mpg and welcome 20-30mpg with open arms!

WHAT A BUNCH OF CHEAP SHOTS!!! BASE PRICE 13995!!!13995!!!!13995!!! YOU GUYS COMPLAINING ABOUT PRICE ARE LAME!!! AND GO GET A ACCENT!! WE DONT WANT YOU KIND OF CHEAP PEOPLE DRIVING THESE CARS!!! I BET YOU NEVER WOULD SERVICE EITHER CAR AS WELL!! YOU GUYS ARE THE KIND OF PEOPLE THE DRIVE CARS DOWN TO SIHT!! GET OUT HERE!! GO COMPLAIN SOMEWHERE ELSE!!

Chrisfam...First, the A1 has not yet announced that it is coming to the USA because its price will be substantially higher than $20,000 (weak $). The 1-series is in a completely different price range ($30,000-$40,000). The Mini is exceptional but much less practical (RWD, less cargo), much more expensive and with a minuscule dealer network. Secondly, if you read the article you would have noticed that the Fiesta's base price, without leather, sync, DGS, etc.. is $13,995 and $15,995 respectively. The fact that you can get leather in this car if so desired makes a statement that it aims at a higher target than its direct competitors. Lastly, some relevant data from the article: .81g, 40 mpg, 115ft breaking, unmatched Sync technology, DGS, leather (optional), well bolstered and comfortable seats, quit interior; these are all things not commonly associated with vehicles in this segment. This is an impressive vehicle with a price that fits the package.

20k for an econobox is too expensive to me. Heated powered leather seats and other items luxury cars have in an econbox is stupid. It's not competing against something like an Audi A1, Mini Cooper, BMW 1 series, or some other small luxury car. No one is going to be impressed how luxurious your Fiesta is.

Wow, that's pricey. It's a beautiful little car, and should do well for Ford, but I wouldn't pay a Fusion-like price for one. Hell no! Not when they'res Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan offering the same thing, but with more room (in the case of the Nissan) at a much lower price! But, nice job, Ford. At least the styling is correct, as is the body style choices and the motor. A++

okay .. maybe it's more efficient, and more eqquipded than the fit ... but is it as fun to drive and as flexable as the fit? ... that's the real question .. because the most thing that made a lot of people buy the fit is it's flexability and that it's really fun-to-drive.as for the price tag ... some of you said that this price tag is reasonable because of the eqquipments offered with this car! and those same people said that sportiness is not important in this segmant .. well i don't think luxury is imp. in this segmant.. so ford fans stop trying to explain this stupid price tag ... because honestley if i was going to buy a small compact then i would prefer sportiness over luxury ... i think the fit is still the hottest compact car on the road! as for the hyundai accent i would rather walk all the time and not buy this ugly beast..

HMM..not too bad..its a nice enough car..BUT given the price/performance/overall package id take a used 3-door saturn astra...i think now chevy has got a great shot with its upcoming all new aveo..cant wait to see the aveo rs against the ecoboost fiesta if they both make production, which theyd better..

A lotta folks missing a few points here.1) Any of the cars in this article tops 20k fully loaded, including the Versa. The accent is still around $19k, but it's a piece of crap, and it's a 3 door.2) The whole point of the Fiesta is to appeal to those who are willing to spend the extra $1-2,000 for a nicer small car. It's very well positioned between the Fit and the Mini in terms of the package and price.

Last i checked the Compact Segment is for Fuel Economy and sprightly driving due to light weight, two thing the Fiesta will be at the top of the line for. You want straight-line speed, get a Mustang V6.

All the other cars in this comparison are pure junk compared to the Fords. Might be a little slower but that is for the fuel economy difference. I don't mind spending a little more for quality and handling. The looks alone are far better than the others.

Not bad looking, good gas mileage, but man what a boring car. All these cars are boring and the people who buy them must be too. You can't drive fast, take it off roading, go on long trips (small cargo room), and they are certainly not panty droppers. "For the nerdy guy who wants the nerdy girl, now that's a Fiesta" (or is it).

I can appreciate the concerns for price, being that it is one of the reasons many people have purchased econoboxes in the past. While many complain about price, I can remember how people on such blogs complained even more that the Europeans got all the good stuff with the Manufacturers reasoning that Americans valued size over actual quality. I am thrilled that Euro-spec cars are finally coming back into our market and believe that driving experience (braking, handling, NHV, high speed stability) will trump 0-60 times as the primary purchase decision motivators. As for fuel efficiency, the highway number can be misleading when comparing mid-sized cars efficiency to those of compacts and sub-compacts. Because sub-compacts usually have a higher roof line, they are less aero-dynamic than many mid-sized cars at highway speed but they do offer significantly higher city driving numbers which yield substantially better combined' fuel efficiency numbers that are conducive with everyday driving. I feel that this Fiesta offers the attributes of a compact while greatly reducing the typical sacrifices associated. The Fiesta is a car many young car buyers will appreciate as a quality option and many commuters will appreciate as a second car option. If (when) gas surges to $4.00 a gallon again, someone owning a full-sized SUV, driving 20,000 miles per year would spend about $400 in gas (combined 16mpg). Ford will be in position to capture that potential market with this vehicle. Great Job.

I also don't get the people that are whining about the price. You can get a bare bottom stripper Fiesta sedan for far less (what is it, something like 14K?) and still have a ton of content. Fellows, don't be that cheap. You can't have your cake and eat it too. The funny thing is that if Ford really really cheapened the Fiesta to bring the price down to Yaris territory, the same whiners would be complaining about how we can't get all the nice european hatchbacks and how Ford is dumbing down the US spec cars. People, you can't get something for nothing.

I do not understand why the fugly sedan is 2K less than the cool hatch. The sedan should not exist. You'd be a fool to pay MSRP on this thing, even if it is cool. It will outsell the Fit in much of the US because Ford dealers are in every freakin podunk rat hole town in the country- and Honda is NOT. That will make a big difference, same as the last time we had a Fiesta here.Ultimately, it's success will not depend on 0-60 times, but rather if it holds up in grinding use. The Fit has proven worthy there- unlike 30+ years ago vs. the last Fiesta, when driving your Honda through a mud puddle killed it. Now it's Ford's ball. Game on. (picturing another Top Gear soccer match)

Having sat in a US spec Fiesta and in a Fit at an autoshow, the Fiesta is waaaaaaaayyyyyy nicer, so the pricetag is very reasonable. The Fit felt VERY cheap inside. The other two (Accent and Yaris) are plain hideous cars from EVERY aspect and not even worth mentioning. The Fiesta offers lots of great modern features and frankly I don't find it expensive at all for all the content.

I think 20K shut up the Ford fanboys. I've been hearing non-stop Ford goodness but 20K for a Fiesta!Slow, small, & VERY expensive. NO.Next we will find out anything with EcoBoost is going to be expensive. Look at the price jump on the Taurus & Flex when you add EcoBoost.

People are idiots. This car is 20k because it has all the options...strip it down and it would be just as inexpensive and cheap as you would like. Ford is giving people the option to either get a focus with some sacrifice in price and fuel milage or getting a similarly priced Fiesta with all the goodies. Just because they sell a 20k Fiesta does not mean you have to buy the 20k one...get the picture? Read the entire article and do some research before you start complaining about the price tag.

@jdlinder11,Don't even bother...people don't actually read the entire article. All they see is $20000, not knowing that the car at that price is fully optioned out with stuff you can't even dream of getting in the competition.

wow $20K.... that's a lot of coin for a compact. I'd rather have 2 Accents, or 1 with wheels, tint, 2Kwatt stereo, navigation, Ipad install, sunroof.....What are they going to do when Korea brings out their 1.6 liter 138 hp engine? Holy crap.... I still can't get over the price... geez.